Cool down this summer on a booze cruise

Does drinking, dancing and enjoying a magnificent view on a ferry cruising around Tokyo Bay sound like a great night out to you?

If so, check out the Tokyowannoryosen (“Tokyo Bay ferry for cooling off”), organized by ferry operator Tokaikisen, which will cruise every evening from July 1 to Sept. 23.

The boat, which leaves at 7:15 p.m. from Takeshiba ferry terminal everyday, passes under Rainbow Bridge, cruises around the Odaiba and Haneda Airport area and comes back to the terminal at 9 p.m.

Tickets are priced at ¥2,500, and allow all on board to enjoy an an all-you-can- drink offer.

On the five decks of the ship, a wide variety of snacks can be bought. On the Top Terrace, fried chicken (¥400), french fries (¥300) and yakitori (¥500) are sold. On A deck, you can enjoy udon noodles (¥300) and curry (¥700). B deck offers such snacks as “megasize caramel popcorn” at ¥1,000. On C deck, “jumbo hamburgers,” (¥1,000) and gyudon beef rice bowls (¥500) are sold.

If you want to enjoy a party on board, reserve the “dining set” menu for ¥6,000 (for two to four people) at a table on C deck. The set with sushi costs ¥9,000. Reservations for set menus should be made two days before cruising.

On board, you can also enjoy a show performed by “Yukata Dancers” and you can dance yourself. Yukata Dancers are a group of nine young ladies wearing yukata, casual kimono for summer. They were chosen from 175 candidates who applied to join the show group.

If you wear yukata from Monday through Thursday (except on holidays), you can get a ¥1,000 discount on your ticket.

Takeshiba ferry terminal is a one-minute walk from Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line. Tickets cost ¥2,500 for adults, ¥1,000 for junior high school and high school students and ¥500 for elementary school student. Reservations are recommended. www.tokaikisen.co.jp